The Ki-Hap is an enigma to most beginners. For them, Tae Kwon-do is physically orientated. They fail to see why they are taught to yell at certain times during their classes. For those who have practised Tae Kwon-do for any length of time, an agreement has been reached on the importance of Ki-Hap and concentration. But I contend that concentration and it's vocalisation, the Ki-Hap, are the very essence of the art.

All Oriental martial arts possess some form of Ki-Hap. Emphasis is placed on the concentration of power and spirit which this Ki-Hap brings forth. Try to imagine an effective martial art without these two components.

An activity which teaches only hand and foot movements is nothing but physical exercise. Tae Kwon-do emphasises mental and spiritual powers as well. The mind and heart are trained along with the body. By means of the "Ki-Hap", power is summoned from all three sources. The speed, power and accuracy that can be developed is difficult to imagine. Tae Kwon-do, then is a much greater accomplishment than just physical conditioning.

What exactly is "concentration" and how does one develop it?

Concentration is the ability to focus the mind, heart and body toward the accomplishment of a desired goal, to make them of one sprit, one intention. It is the devastation of a physical target, either real or imaginary. Every movement in the martial arts must be directed toward an opponent or target. When free fighting or performing pattern, one must always direct the movement toward a target.

In pattern, all movements are directed towards the vital spots of the imaginary opponent. The solar plexus temple, floating ribs etc. must be attacked with full speed and accuracy. One must however, protect their own vital spot when using a blocking technique.

It is by using this mental picture of attacking and defending against opponents, using all available speed and power that will develop the skills in Tae Kwon-do. The mind must have the power and control to keep pushing the body forward to reach the standard. A soft mental approach will produce soft ineffective technique, whereas hard training mentally and physically, will produce strong, hard techniques. It is so important to concentrate on self discipline, only then will the true fulfilment of Tae Kwon-do be realised.

The Ki-Hap itself is the natural product of concentration. Superficially it is the sound omitted when the stomach muscles are tightened and the diaphragm pushed upwards, but the inward result of this sound is the maximum utilisation of concentration of the body and the mind. The word "Ki" has many different meanings in the Korean language, but "Ki-Hap", "Ki" means air or spirit and "Hap" means together or united.

If you have seen someone lifting or throwing heavy objects, you must also have heard them make a grunting sound. This is not the same as "Ki-Hap", but it is similar. People naturally grunt when they perform a task which requires great effort as it helps to muster ones power. Making a sound actually helps to unite your mind and body toward the action being performed. When practising Tae Kwon-do, there are times when you will "Ki-Hap" inadvertently.

A good Ki-Hap originates in the "Dan-Jun", the lower part of the abdomen, which is the centre of power. Before performing any action, the abdomen must be tense to give maximum strength to the technique.

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How to do the Ki-Hap

Start to by filling your lungs with air. As the technique starts, exhale progressively until around forty percent of your breath is left. At this point, and in time with the technique landing as it's target, stop the breath and tighten the abdominal muscles. This tenses the body completely giving the technique it's maximum effect by locking the entire body.

In Tae Kwon-do, we prepare our mind and body by adopting the "Choon-Bi" stance. As you know there are many different ready stances, but they all fulfil the same purpose - to clear the mind and prepare the body for the actions to be performed. It is important to do this stance properly as it is the transition between normal, relaxed movement and quick, powerful movement. That is why we have "Choon-Bi" before and after every exercise.

Concentration and "Ki-Hap" go hand in hand. They help the martial art practitioner bring together in heart, mind and body for the purpose of making actions strong quick and precise. When the Ki-Hap and concentration are practised together, the student will be rewarded with better technique, more power and better fitness. All these things can be developed through Tae Kwon-do training.

The mind is more powerful as it controls the body. A positive thinking mind will produce positive physical results. Being in the company of positive thinking people will also allow a positive attitude to result. Allow a negative person to enter your training circle and negative performance will result. You must discipline yourself if you are going to achieve your goal.